Genius. Poet. Twat.
On Friday afternoon, word reached the blogs and listservs that Tony Wilson had been given Last Rites. The tributes started to flow with Peter Hook, Steven Morris and Bernard Sumner all reminiscing about their strange manager.
Saturday, through a stroke of ghoulish timing, Showcase broadcast 24 Hour Party People, the 2002 film of Manchester late century pop culture. I know Steve Coogan based his fictional character Alan Partridge on Wilson, but as a North American, it is Coogan I think of when Wilson's name is mentioned. Which is a shame. Wilson was responsible for much of Manchester's cultural (and economic) revival, never moving away or losing an extreme pride of place.
Michael Winterbottom's film follows Wilson from pioneering VJ to the implosion of the Happy Mondays, purposely portraying Tony's life from the myth and remembered stories rather than from actual fact. Coogan is brilliant as Wilson, and Andy Serkis steals scenes as Martin Hannett, giving the movie a healthy dose of documentary satire.
I nurse the very vain hope that Wilson and John Peel are kicking back with a pint together, checking out the new singles for the week. Rest In Peace Tony Wilson 1950-2007.
Rating: ***
3 comments:
This has been on my "to watch" list for a couple years now, if only for the amazing name and tagline.
Tams - Winterbottom's films are always unconventional and interesting on some level, so I admire his effort. I haven't seen everything, and had to turn off Wonderland because it was really slow, but Tristam Shady, 24hrPP, and Welcome to Sarajevo are brilliant.
I've yet to see A Mighty Heart.
Here is a segment of 24hrPP where Wilson (Steve Coogan) talks to God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JfXzvCrn9c
'It's a pity you didn't sign the Smiths, but you were right about Mick Hucknell. His music's rubbish, and he's a ginger.'
In fact A Cock and Bull Story: Tristam Shandy was probably my favourite movie last year.
It is hilarious with Mr Tony Wilson himself showing up in a cameo.
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